Azimio seeks to unite Opposition as President entices village elders

For many politicians, the road to election victory is paved with promises, deep pockets, alliances and allegiance.

Barely 12 months to the General Election, leaders are already in overdrive in their pursuit for power.

On the day President William Ruto met village elders at State House in Nairobi, promising then stipend, phones and medical cover, leaders in the opposition were yesterday exploring ways to craft a grand coalition.

President Ruto used the event to entice 106,000 elders from countrywide with gifts and pledges, thanking them for mobilisation skills and roles in the villages. Chiefs and their assistants were also part of the package, with each promised an annual amount of Sh50,000 and Sh30,000 respectively.

And the Opposition parties were intensifying efforts to unite behind a single presidential candidate, with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka meeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Kalonzo described the meeting as part of ongoing unity efforts. He said the three leaders deliberated on key national issues and agreed on the need for sustained collaboration among opposition forces to provide a credible alternative leadership.

“The engagement we had today with my brothers Rigathi and Eugene marks another step in the ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition unity and build a cohesive agenda for the future of Kenya,” he said.